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Wigan 1-0 Liverpool

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Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League suffered a major setback as struggling Wigan punished an insipid display by Rafa Benitez’s side.

The visitors’ out-of-sorts display was summed up by four misses from Fernando Torres, who hit the post early on.

A Dirk Kuyt mistake led to Wigan’s goal, with Emmerson Boyce then crossing and Hugo Rodallega volleying home.

Charles N’Zogbia almost added a second for Wigan when he broke clear and the home team held on for a deserved win.

N’Zogbia, Rodallega and James McCarthy were outstanding for Roberto Martinez’s side as Wigan troubled Liverpool with their pace and no shortage of skill.

Not for the first time this season, Liverpool were well below par and five yellow cards, including bookings for Torres and Steven Gerrard late on, summed up a miserable Monday for the Merseysiders.

They remain just a point behind Tottenham and Manchester City in the race for the top four, but have played 29 games to Spurs’ 28 and City’s 27, while Aston Villa in seventh are three points behind with three games in hand.

But while Benitez’s side need to find form fast as they embark on a run in that includes a trip to Manchester United and an Anfield meeting with Chelsea, Wigan can approach the final games with renewed confidence.

The Latics had won just once in the league in 2010 to fall to within a point of the relegation zone, yet victory saw them climb to 14th with two of their next three games against fellow strugglers Bolton and Burnley.

As both teams came to grips with Wigan’s relaid pitch it was Liverpool who started the brighter, their initial attacking strategy to bypass midfield with both Jamie Carragher and Gerrard launching passes to try and release Torres.

That initial spurt of pressure saw Liverpool win a corner with Maxi Rodriguez heading the ball to Torres, but the Spanish striker’s volley struck the post.

Having survived that scare, Wigan started to give Liverpool a few things to worry about.

Chief pest to the Liverpool defence was N’Zogbia, who after almost releasing Rodallega with a clever reverse pass, flashed a couple of dangerous crosses across the Liverpool defence.

Symptomatic of Wigan’s growing dominance were the yellow cards dished out to Emiliano Insua, Lucas and Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

Openings for Liverpool were proving rarer to spot, though Yossi Benayoun’s trickery saw him break clear and tee up Gerrard, who was unable to get his shot on target after his initial effort was blocked by Paul Scharner.

Gerrard and Lucas had been guilty of giving the ball away and the next Liverpool player to do so was Kuyt, an error that led to Wigan’s opener.

Boyce pounced on Kuyt’s mistake and with the outside of his right foot curled in a cross that Rodallega cleverly touched past Pepe Reina.

Just before the break, Torres glimpsed a sight of goal, but under pressure from Gary Caldwell steered his header over the bar.

That chance was created by Rodriguez and soon after the interval the two former Atletico Madrid team-mates were at it again, with the same result – Torres putting the ball over the bar, this time with a shot.

Soon afterwards Benitez introduced Glen Johnson for Lucas, as the England full-back returned to action for the first time since late December.

Rejigged, but not revived, and almost immediately Liverpool suffered another scare when Marcelo Moreno blocked Carragher’s clearance and with the ball looping towards the goal Kyrgiakos had to head away from under the bar.

Liverpool might have dominated possession in the second half but Wigan always threatened on the counterattack with N’Zogbia scampering clear and wriggling a shot past Reina, who was relieved when Scharner was unable to force the ball home at the far post.

With a quarter of an hour to go Torres missed his fourth reasonable chance, volleying narrowly wide after Kuyt headed the ball back to him following Insua’s cross, one of the rare fluid pieces of Liverpool play.

Torres’s night of frustration etched up a notch when he was booked for a poor tackle on Boyce, with Gerrard becoming the fifth Liverpool to be yellow carded for an equally poor challenge on McCarthy.

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Monday, 8 March 2010

Premier League

Final Result
Full Time
90:00+5:53 The referee blows his whistle to end the game.
90:00+5:39 Javier Mascherano fouled by Jason Scotland, the ref awards a free kick. Javier Mascherano takes the free kick.
90:00+4:58 Ryan Babel challenges James McCarthy unfairly and gives away a free kick. Gary Caldwell restarts play with the free kick.
90:00+4:07 Unfair challenge on Paul Scharner by Emiliano Insua results in a free kick. Chris Kirkland takes the direct free kick.
90:00+3:30 Effort from the edge of the area by Victor Moses goes wide of the right-hand post.
90:00+2:54 Charles N’Zogbia concedes a free kick for a foul on Javier Mascherano. Jose Reina takes the free kick.
90:00+0:38 Unfair challenge on Paul Scharner by Alberto Aquilani results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.
90:00+0:07 Centre by Rodriguez Maxi, clearance by Gary Caldwell.
88:39 Free kick awarded for a foul by Paul Scharner on Glen Johnson. Direct free kick taken by Jose Reina.
88:06 Jamie Carragher challenges Jason Scotland unfairly and gives away a free kick. Gary Caldwell takes the free kick.
85:54 Substitution Hugo Rodallega leaves the field to be replaced by Jason Scotland.
85:07 Hugo Rodallega produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the target.
83:07 Emiliano Insua delivers the ball, Maynor Figueroa makes a clearance.
81:04 Chris Kirkland takes the direct free kick.
81:04 Substitution Dirk Kuyt goes off and Ryan Babel comes on.
81:04 Substitution (Wigan) makes a substitution, with Hendry Thomas coming on for Mohamed Diame.
81:04 Booking The referee shows Steven Gerrard a yellow card.
80:58 Free kick awarded for a foul by Steven Gerrard on James McCarthy.
78:46 Gary Caldwell takes the direct free kick.
78:46 Booking Fernando Torres is given a yellow card.
78:38 Fernando Torres gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Emmerson Boyce.
75:24 Effort on goal by Fernando Torres from inside the box misses to the right of the target.
74:51 Paul Scharner takes a shot. Blocked by Sotirios Kyrgiakos.
74:09 Corner taken short by Victor Moses, Charles N’Zogbia delivers the ball, clearance made by Fernando Torres.
73:30 Corner taken right-footed by Victor Moses from the left by-line, Dirk Kuyt manages to make a clearance.
73:13 Charles N’Zogbia takes a shot. Jose Reina makes a save.
69:42 Mohamed Diame challenges Javier Mascherano unfairly and gives away a free kick. Javier Mascherano takes the free kick.
68:37 Substitution Yossi Benayoun goes off and Alberto Aquilani comes on.
68:21 Inswinging corner taken by Yossi Benayoun from the left by-line.
67:47 Yossi Benayoun takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line to the near post, clearance made by Emmerson Boyce.
67:24 Paul Scharner challenges Steven Gerrard unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Steven Gerrard.
66:34 Substitution Victor Moses on for Marcelo Moreno.
66:21 Shot from outside the box by Fernando Torres goes wide right of the target.
65:44 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard from the right by-line to the near post, James McCarthy manages to
make a clearance.
64:12 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Steven Gerrard, Titus Bramble makes a clearance.
63:31 Emmerson Boyce has an effort at goal from outside the box missing to the wide left of the goal.
61:54 Marcelo Moreno takes a shot. Save by Jose Reina.
61:38 The ball is crossed by Fernando Torres, clearance made by Titus Bramble.
60:46 Foul by Maynor Figueroa on Javier Mascherano, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Javier Mascherano.
58:20 Inswinging corner taken by Hugo Rodallega, Marcelo Moreno has a headed effort from close range and clears the bar.
57:35 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Glen Johnson by Mohamed Diame. Free kick taken by Javier Mascherano.
56:25 Dirk Kuyt takes a shot. Titus Bramble gets a block in.
54:50 Javier Mascherano challenges Paul Scharner unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.
54:06 Substitution Glen Johnson replaces Leiva Lucas.
53:11 Unfair challenge on Leiva Lucas by Mohamed Diame results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Steven Gerrard.
50:08 Gary Caldwell fouled by Fernando Torres, the ref awards a free kick. Gary Caldwell restarts play with the free kick.
48:58 Shot on goal by Fernando Torres from just inside the area goes over the target.
47:37 Paul Scharner gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Sotirios Kyrgiakos. Jose Reina restarts play with the free
kick.
47:31 Maynor Figueroa crosses the ball, clearance made by Emiliano Insua.
46:24 Charles N’Zogbia has an effort at goal from just inside the box that misses to the left of the target.
45:46 Hugo Rodallega takes a shot. Javier Mascherano gets a block in.
45:01 The second half kicks off.
Half Time
45:00+3:26 The ref blows to signal half-time.
45:00+0:32 Fernando Torres gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Titus Bramble. Free kick taken by Chris Kirkland.
43:28 Hugo Rodallega challenges Javier Mascherano unfairly and gives away a free kick. Jose Reina restarts play with the free kick.
42:20 Close range header by Fernando Torres goes over the bar.
40:55 Free kick awarded for a foul by James McCarthy on Fernando Torres. Direct free kick taken by Yossi Benayoun.
39:35 Rodriguez Maxi takes the direct free kick.
39:35 Booking Titus Bramble booked for unsporting behaviour.
39:30 Unfair challenge on Fernando Torres by Titus Bramble results in a free kick.
39:10 The referee penalises Paul Scharner for handball. Jamie Carragher takes the direct free kick.
38:32 Paul Scharner fouled by Dirk Kuyt, the ref awards a free kick. Titus Bramble restarts play with the free kick.
37:51 Sotirios Kyrgiakos fouled by Marcelo Moreno, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Fernando Torres.
34:29 Emmerson Boyce provided the assist for the goal.
34:29 GOAL – Hugo Rodallega:Wigan 1 – 0 Liverpool Hugo Rodallega finds the net with a goal from close in to the bottom right corner of the goal. Wigan 1-0 Liverpool.
34:11 Charles N’Zogbia produces a cross, Javier Mascherano manages to make a clearance.
32:53 Charles N’Zogbia crosses the ball from the free kick left-footed from right channel, save by Jose Reina.
32:53 Booking Sotirios Kyrgiakos booked.
32:47 Paul Scharner fouled by Sotirios Kyrgiakos, the ref awards a free kick.
29:32 Marcelo Moreno challenges Jamie Carragher unfairly and gives away a free kick. Jamie Carragher takes the direct free kick.
28:44 Mohamed Diame takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Jose Reina makes a save.
28:03 The free kick is swung in left-footed by Charles N’Zogbia.
28:03 Booking Leiva Lucas receives a yellow card.
27:57 Foul by Leiva Lucas on Titus Bramble, free kick awarded.
26:30 Steven Gerrard has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the left of the goal.
24:00 Javier Mascherano crosses the ball.
22:44 Maynor Figueroa crosses the ball, Sotirios Kyrgiakos makes a clearance.
21:20 Direct free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.
21:20 Booking Emiliano Insua receives a yellow card.
21:17 Emiliano Insua challenges Charles N’Zogbia unfairly and gives away a free kick.
18:51 Free kick awarded for a foul by Leiva Lucas on Hugo Rodallega. Hugo Rodallega produces a strike on goal direct from the free
kick.
17:15 Javier Mascherano crosses the ball.
16:32 Steven Gerrard takes a outswinging corner to the near post, Emmerson Boyce makes a clearance.
15:14 Unfair challenge on Fernando Torres by James McCarthy results in a free kick. Emiliano Insua takes the free kick.
13:04 The ball is sent over by Charles N’Zogbia.
11:13 Corner taken short by Charles N’Zogbia.
11:07 Emmerson Boyce delivers the ball, clearance made by Sotirios Kyrgiakos.
10:04 Rodriguez Maxi takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Blocked by Titus Bramble.
9:32 Corner taken by Steven Gerrard from the right by-line, clearance made by Titus Bramble.
9:13 Steven Gerrard takes a shot. Blocked by Titus Bramble.
8:04 Fernando Torres takes a shot from close in that hits the post.
7:45 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard, clearance by Marcelo Moreno.
7:30 Yossi Benayoun takes a shot. James McCarthy gets a block in.
3:59 Javier Mascherano sends in a cross, clearance made by Emmerson Boyce. Shot from just outside the box by Steven Gerrard goes
over the target.
2:30 The assistant referee signals for offside against Fernando Torres. Titus Bramble takes the indirect free kick.
0:00 The referee gets the match started.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

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Benitez hits out at Reds attitude

Filed under: Wigan Athletic by: admin

Rafa Benitez

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Benitez refuses to defend players

Rafael Benitez pulled no punches in assessing his side’s poor display after the 1-0 defeat by Wigan, accusing his team of lacking attitude and character.

“I’m really disappointed,” a sombre Liverpool manager told BBC Sport.

“In the first half we didn’t do anything and didn’t show the attitude required. It’s difficult to explain.

“At half-time we talked about the things we weren’t doing well – the attitude and the character. We made too many mistakes and played too quickly.”

A ninth Premier League defeat in 29 matches leaves Liverpool with an uphill struggle to qualify for the Champions League, with Benitez’s side a point behind fourth-placed Tottenham, who have a game in hand.

Just above Liverpool are Manchester City, who have the same number of points as Spurs, but have played one game less than the London side, while Aston Villa are in seventh, with 45 points from 26 games.

Roberto Martinez

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Wigan were worthy winners – Martinez

Hugo Rodallega’s 35th-minute winner came from a mistake by Dirk Kuyt, a point that was picked up on by Benitez, who has frequently promised during the season that Liverpool will qualify for the Champions League.

“We didn’t deserve anything in the first half,” conceded Benitez, who, perhaps with Thursday’s Europa League match against Lille in mind, broke from his usual approach of defending his team following a poor performance.

“In the second half we worked harder but Wigan defended really well.”

Late in the game, television pictures seemed to capture captain Steven Gerrard flashing what looked like a V-sign at referee Andre Marriner after the midfielder was booked but both Benitez and club officials have played it down.

“I don’t know, I was too far away,” was the Liverpool manager’s response.

While Benitez reflected on another painful defeat for Liverpool, Wigan boss Roberto Martinez savoured his side’s first win since 16 January.

“We were worthy winners and that speaks volumes about the character of the players,” said Martinez, whose side moved four points clear of the relegation zone after the victory.

“We have had a few painful lessons and thrown away 19 points and had we even kept half of them we would be in a completely different situation.

“We are a young squad but the way we beat Liverpool and Chelsea a few months ago shows the potential they have,” added the Spaniard, referring to Wigan’s 3-1 victory over Carlo Ancelotti’s side in September.

“We must make sure that we finish the season as strongly as we can do.

“It was pleasing to be able to perform the way we did but the application, concentration and desire to keep Liverpool as quiet as we did is a huge compliment to the players.

“We have got five huge games left at home – it is important the players understand the magnitude of this performance. This standard is something we need to show week in, week out.”

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Wigan v Liverpool

Filed under: Wigan Athletic by: admin

Live text and stats

Monday, 8 March 2010

Premier League

Barclays Premier League
Venue: DW Stadium Date: Monday, 8 March 2010 Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Coverage: Live on ESPN, BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live and local radio including full commentary on BBC Radio Merseyside 95.8 FM, 1485 MW and DAB

Wigan look set to hand Victor Moses his first start after a series of impressive displays off the bench.

Charles N’Zogbia (knee) and Paul Scharner (groin) face late fitness tests but are expected to play.

Liverpool will be without Fabio Aurelio after he was ruled out for three weeks with a thigh injury.

The Reds are hopeful that Daniel Agger will be fit despite the defender leaving Anfield on crutches last Sunday after bruising a bone in his knee.

Wigan

Doubtful: N’Zogbia (knee), Scharner (groin) Injured: Gohouri (back)

Liverpool

Doubtful: Agger (knee)

Injured: Aurelio (thigh), Johnson (knee), Skrtel (metatarsal)

When Liverpool battled back to beat Wigan in December after a run of six league games without a win it looked like they may have stopped the rot and taken the heat off manager Rafael Benitez.

They then promptly lost to rock bottom Portsmouth the very next week and their prospects of finishing fourth looked like pie in the sky.

But quietly, efficiently, and certainly without excitement they have lost just one league game since that dark day at Fratton Park and now sit just a point behind the final Champions League qualification spot.

And they will be licking their lips in anticipation at facing a side they have never lost to and who have only won one of their last 13 in the league.

The Latics are in freefall and fears are growing that unless they arrest their slump in form their five-year tenure in the Premier League may be coming to an end.

What this game seems destined not to promise is goals. Wigan are scoreless in their last three matches and Liverpool have failed to find the back of the net in five of their last seven Premier League away games, including the last three in a row. A 0-0 draw at 11-1 looks a bet worth taking.

Head-to-head

Liverpool have never lost to Wigan, winning nine of their 11 league and cup encounters.

The Reds have scored one goal in each of their last two visits to the DW Stadium, both courtesy of Yossi Benayoun.

Javier Mascherano and Hendry Thomas have put in the joint highest amount of tackles in the league this season (127).

Wigan

Wigan are winless in seven league games and their only victory in 13 matches was against Wolves on 16 January.

The Latics have only been caught offside 36 times in the league this season, the lowest total in the top flight.

Roberto Martinez’s side have conceded more headed goals (12) than any other team in the league.

Liverpool

Liverpool haven’t conceded a first-half goal in ten league games since losing 2-0 at Portsmouth during December.

The Reds have failed to score in five of their last seven Premier League away games, including the last three in a row.

Dirk Kuyt has scored five goals in five league starts against Wigan.

Wigan

Rodallega: 7 goals (7 league); N’Zogbia: 6 goals (4 league)

Liverpool

Torres: 13 goals (13 league); Kuyt: 10 goals (9 league)

Referee: Andre Marriner

Assistant referees: Patrick Keane & Nigel Bannister

Fourth official: Phil Dowd

Wigan (L0-1 v Birmingham, a): Kirkland, Melchiot, Caldwell, Bramble, Figueroa, Thomas, Scharner (Scotland 46), Diame, McCarthy (Gomez 84), N’Zogbia (Moses 46), Rodallega. Subs Not Used: Stojkovic, Sinclair, Boyce, Moreno.

Liverpool (W2-1 v Blackburn, h): Reina, Mascherano, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio (Insua 38), Benayoun (Babel 81), Gerrard, Lucas, Maxi, Kuyt, Torres (Ngog 89). Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Aquilani, Kelly, Ayala.

Liverpool scorers: Ngog 9, Torres 79

Wigan scorer: N’Zogbia 90

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Birmingham 1-0 Wigan

Filed under: Wigan Athletic by: admin

Birmingham returned to winning ways as James McFadden’s penalty gave them a deserved win over struggling Wigan.

The Scotsman struck on the stroke of half-time after Mario Melchiot’s innocuous trip on Keith Fahey.

Hugo Rodallega had the Latics’ best chances to level but was denied by a point-blank save from Joe Hart and sent another effort inches wide.

Liam Ridgewell also hit the bar for the Blues as the hosts extended Wigan’s winless run to seven games.

It was an unhappy return to St Andrew’s for former Blues favourite Melchiot. His every touch was booed by the home fans and he was guilty of giving away the decisive spot-kick, although replays showed he may have been unlucky to concede it.

Wigan’s previous trip to Birmingham brought a 2-0 win at Aston Villa on the opening day of the season and heralded a new dawn under Robert Martinez.

On current evidence, it looks like a false dawn, with the Spaniard’s side scoring just three goals and taking three points from their last seven games as they hover precariously close to the drop zone.

The Latics made a misleadingly promising start with Rodallega trying his luck from 25 yards and Charles N’Zogbia seeing an effort deflected just wide.

But the home side soon began to get a grip on proceedings with the precise right foot of Sebastian Larsson looking their most potent weapon.

First, the Swede whipped in a dangerous free-kick and Ridgewell got between two Wigan defenders to send a thunderous header against the bar. Moments later, Scott Dann nodded Larsson’s corner just wide.

At the other end, Blues keeper Hart was having a quiet afternoon but the England hopeful put his side in trouble when he flapped at N’Zogbia’s corner and prompted a hectic goalmouth scramble that his defenders eventually managed to clear.

Wigan stopper Chris Kirkland gave a better account of his international credentials when he prevented a potential addition to Titus Bramble’s colourful back catalogue of own goals.

When Ridgewell sent a low cross into the six-yard box, Bramble slid in ahead of McFadden and diverted the ball goalwards but Kirkland got down to pull off an excellent reflex save.

The Blues’ pressure finally told in first-half injury time but it was a goal that could easily have been avoided.

Fahey looked to be going nowhere in the left-hand corner of the penalty box until Melchiot stuck out a leg and sent the Irishman tumbling.

There was minimal contact but referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the penalty spot and McFadden made no mistake as he sent Kirkland the wrong way.

Martinez responded by sending on attacking duo Victor Moses and Jason Scotland at half-time – but his defenders went missing when Dann headed another Larsson set-piece just wide.

Wigan continued to labour until a moment of inspiration from James McCarthy almost unlocked Birmingham’s water-tight defence.

The young Irishman slid a delightful pass through two defenders to set up Rodallega but Hart did superbly to charge down the Colombian’s shot from eight yards.

Wigan failed to build on the chance and the game became scrappy, with the biggest drama reserved for referee’s assistant Trevor Massey.

The visibly shaken official was replaced after he was hit on the head by a corner flag, which flew into the air after a crunching tackle by Ridgewell on McCarthy.

Just before the board went up to signal a mammoth seven minutes of injury time, the Latics fashioned a gilt-edged chance to equalise.

Moses jinked into the penalty box and teed up Rodallega, who prodded a shot agonisingly wide from 10 yards out.

Substitute Kevin Phillips could have put a final gloss on the win at the death but he dallied too long on the ball after being sent clean through.

Not that Blues manager Alex McLeish will mind, as his side held on to extend their unbeaten home record to 10 games and reach the magic 40-point mark far earlier in the season than he could have expected.

Live text and stats

Saturday, 27 February 2010

Premier League

Final Result
Full Time
90:00+7:52 The referee ends the match.
90:00+7:40 Kevin Phillips takes a shot. Save by Chris Kirkland.
90:00+6:01 Substitution (Birmingham) makes a substitution, with Michel coming on for Cameron Jerome.
90:00+6:01 Barry Ferguson fouled by Titus Bramble, the ref awards a free kick. Joe Hart takes the free kick.
90:00+5:18 Corner taken by Jordi Gomez played to the near post, Sebastian Larsson makes a clearance.
90:00+4:51 Jordi Gomez takes a inswinging corner from the right by-line to the near post, Sebastian Larsson makes a clearance.
90:00+1:16 Free kick awarded for a foul by Sebastian Larsson on Victor Moses. Free kick crossed right-footed by Victor Moses from left
wing, Roger Johnson fouled by Hugo Rodallega, the ref awards a free kick. Joe Hart takes the free kick.
90:00+0:40 Gary Caldwell fouled by Kevin Phillips, the ref awards a free kick. Gary Caldwell takes the direct free kick.
90:00+0:22 Effort from the edge of the area by Hugo Rodallega goes wide of the left-hand upright.
89:49 Booking Liam Ridgewell booked for time wasting.
88:58 Effort from inside the area by Jordi Gomez misses to the right of the target.
87:40 Gary Caldwell gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kevin Phillips. Free kick taken by Barry Ferguson.
85:50 The referee blows for offside. Free kick taken by Joe Hart.
84:51 Foul by Jordi Gomez on Barry Ferguson, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Scott Dann.
83:51 Substitution Jordi Gomez on for James McCarthy.
83:40 Substitution (Birmingham) makes a substitution, with Craig Gardner coming on for Stephen Carr.
83:07 Barry Ferguson takes a shot. Mario Melchiot gets a block in.
78:31 Liam Ridgewell challenges James McCarthy unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by James McCarthy.
73:32 Unfair challenge on Mohamed Diame by Sebastian Larsson results in a free kick. Titus Bramble takes the free kick.
72:44 Hendry Thomas gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Cameron Jerome. Direct free kick taken by Joe Hart.
71:34 James McCarthy produces a cross.
70:57 Kevin Phillips concedes a free kick for a foul on Mario Melchiot. Gary Caldwell takes the direct free kick.
69:17 Free kick crossed right-footed by Barry Ferguson from left channel, Unfair challenge on Mohamed Diame by Roger Johnson results
in a free kick. Chris Kirkland takes the free kick.
69:17 Booking Gary Caldwell goes into the referee’s book for unsporting behaviour.
69:08 Gary Caldwell concedes a free kick for a foul on Cameron Jerome.
68:29 Short corner worked by James McCarthy.
68:05 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by James McCarthy, clearance by Roger Johnson.
67:50 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by James McCarthy, Scott Dann makes a clearance.
67:24 Hugo Rodallega takes a shot. Save by Joe Hart.
64:23 James McCarthy challenges Liam Ridgewell unfairly and gives away a free kick. Joe Hart takes the direct free kick.
63:46 Substitution Kevin Phillips replaces James McFadden.
62:22 James McFadden takes a shot. Chris Kirkland makes a save.
61:17 Effort from deep inside the area by James McCarthy misses to the left of the target.
60:59 Victor Moses takes a shot. Roger Johnson gets a block in.
60:39 A cross is delivered by Mohamed Diame, clearance by Roger Johnson.
59:06 Unfair challenge on Titus Bramble by James McFadden results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.
58:35 Shot by Jason Scotland from outside the box goes high over the crossbar.
58:01 Lee Bowyer takes a shot.
56:33 Hugo Rodallega takes a shot. Joe Hart makes a save.
55:56 Jason Scotland takes a shot. Blocked by Stephen Carr.
54:46 Foul by Sebastian Larsson on Victor Moses, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Maynor Figueroa.
53:12 Joe Hart takes the free kick.
53:12 Booking Hugo Rodallega receives a caution.
52:51 Roger Johnson fouled by Hugo Rodallega, the ref awards a free kick.
52:30 Unfair challenge on Mario Melchiot by Cameron Jerome results in a free kick. Gary Caldwell takes the free kick.
51:44 The ball is crossed by Maynor Figueroa.
49:25 Lee Bowyer concedes a free kick for a foul on Hugo Rodallega. The free kick is swung in right-footed by Mario Melchiot.
47:28 James McCarthy gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Keith Fahey. The ball is swung over by Sebastian Larsson,
Close range headed effort by Scott Dann misses to the right of the goal.
46:51 Barry Ferguson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Mohamed Diame. Free kick crossed by Hugo Rodallega, save
made by Joe Hart.
45:01 The referee gets the second half started.
45:01 Substitution Charles N’Zogbia leaves the field to be replaced by Victor Moses.
45:01 Substitution Jason Scotland comes on in place of Paul Scharner.
Half Time
45:00+3:20 It is the end of the first-half.
45:00+1:58 GOAL – James McFadden:Birmingham 1 – 0 Wigan Penalty taken left-footed by James McFadden and scored. Birmingham 1-0 Wigan.
45:00+1:57 Keith Fahey provided the assist for the goal.
45:00+1:06 Mario Melchiot gives away a Penalty for an unfair challenge on Keith Fahey.
44:12 Mario Melchiot fouled by Cameron Jerome, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Chris Kirkland.
40:56 Sebastian Larsson challenges Mario Melchiot unfairly and gives away a free kick. Chris Kirkland restarts play with the free
kick.
40:21 James McFadden takes a shot. Save made by Chris Kirkland.
38:24 Joe Hart restarts play with the free kick.
38:24 Booking The referee cautions Charles N’Zogbia for unsporting behaviour.
38:09 Unfair challenge on Lee Bowyer by Charles N’Zogbia results in a free kick.
37:18 Inswinging corner taken by Charles N’Zogbia from the right by-line.
36:24 The referee blows for offside against Scott Dann. Chris Kirkland restarts play with the free kick.
35:32 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Keith Fahey by Mohamed Diame. Sebastian Larsson crosses the ball from the free
kick right-footed from left channel.
34:05 James McFadden is caught offside. Free kick taken by Chris Kirkland.
30:34 Sebastian Larsson takes a short corner.
30:17 Cameron Jerome takes a shot. Chris Kirkland makes a save.
29:31 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Liam Ridgewell by Charles N’Zogbia. Free kick taken by Joe Hart.
27:29 Stephen Carr crosses the ball, clearance made by Titus Bramble.
27:05 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Lee Bowyer by Mohamed Diame. Sebastian Larsson restarts play with the free kick.
26:36 James McCarthy takes a shot.
25:54 Stephen Carr gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on James McCarthy. Chris Kirkland takes the direct free kick.
24:56 Shot from just outside the penalty area by Cameron Jerome misses to the left of the target.
21:35 Corner from the left by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson, Close range header by Scott Dann misses to the right of the goal.
20:26 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Barry Ferguson by Paul Scharner. Direct free kick taken by Joe Hart.
19:42 The ball is crossed by Keith Fahey, clearance made by Titus Bramble.
18:51 Unfair challenge on Lee Bowyer by Mohamed Diame results in a free kick. Roger Johnson restarts play with the free kick.
17:30 Hugo Rodallega is caught offside. Free kick taken by Joe Hart.
13:49 Foul by Maynor Figueroa on Sebastian Larsson, free kick awarded. The ball is delivered by Sebastian Larsson, Scott Dann takes
a shot.
10:48 Inswinging corner taken by Charles N’Zogbia.
10:20 Charles N’Zogbia takes a shot. Blocked by Stephen Carr.
8:38 Effort from outside the penalty box by Hugo Rodallega goes wide right of the target.
7:03 Mario Melchiot fouled by James McFadden, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.
6:38 Foul by Cameron Jerome on Gary Caldwell, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Titus Bramble.
1:01 James McFadden fouled by Mohamed Diame, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Barry Ferguson.
0:00 The game kicks-off.

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Wigan to relay DW Stadium pitch

Filed under: Wigan Athletic by: admin

Wigan have confirmed that the pitch at the DW Stadium will be dug up and relaid at the end of the month.

The surface has cut up badly in recent weeks and hampered both teams during Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Tottenham.

Latics manager Roberto Martinez recently admitted the pitch was becoming a problem and the club have opted to take decisive action.

A club spokesman told BBC Sport: “The pitch will be relayed over the coming weeks. We’re dealing with the problem.”

Heavy snow, a broken undersoil heating system and the return to action of Wigan Warriors rugby league team have contributed to the decline of the surface.

Head groundsman Ian Forshaw and his staff will start work immediately after the Warriors’ Super League game against Catalans Dragons on 26 February, making good use of football’s international break.

Work will be carried out through the night in an effort to have the pitch ready for the next fixture at the stadium, when Liverpool visit on 8 March.

Wigan Warriors played home games on consecutive Fridays – 5 and 12 Feb – leading up to the game against Spurs.

But the club spokesman was keen to play down any problems of sharing with a rugby side or of any rift between the two outfits.

“It’s got absolutely nothing to do with the rugby league club,” he added. “That’s completely irrelevant.

“The relationship we have with Wigan Warriors is fine. We’ve been at this stadium for 11 years so it’s hardly a new problem.”

Wigan’s only other Premier League game before the new pitch is put down is an away match at Birmingham on Saturday.

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West Brom capture Wigan’s Watson

Filed under: Wigan Athletic by: admin

West Bromwich Albion have signed Wigan Athletic midfielder Ben Watson on loan until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old will provide cover for Gonzalo Jara, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a broken metatarsal.

“We have been looking to strengthen the central midfielder area,” said Baggies manager Roberto Di Matteo.

“Ben is very good technically and is a competitive player who knows the Championship very well.”

Watson began his career at Crystal Palace, making his debut for the Eagles at the age of 17, before joining Wigan for 2m in January 2009.

But he has managed just 13 appearances for the Latics and spent four months on loan with Queens Park Rangers earlier this season.

The former England Under-21 international will not be eligible for Albion’s FA Cup fifth round replay with Reading on Wednesday, but could feature in Saturday’s Championship clash with Derby.

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Wigan 0-3 Tottenham

Filed under: Wigan Athletic by: admin

Tottenham’s want-away frontman Roman Pavlyuchenko climbed off the bench to secure a hard-fought win over Wigan and lift his side back into fourth spot.

The Russian, reportedly denied a move back to his homeland only this week, scored two in 10 minutes.

The first was a neat finish from Luka Modric’s pass and his second came in stoppage time from the angle.

It added to Jermain Defoe’s first-half tap-in, though he looked offside, as relegation-threatened Wigan fell away.

The Latics remain just two points off the drop zone as a result of the defeat, and on this showing will need a turnaround in both form and fortune if they are to retain their top-flight status.

For Tottenham, though, this was a welcome three points – only their second win of 2010 – and they had Pavlyuchenko’s cameo to thank for settling the match after a series a missed opportunities earlier in the encounter.

Redknapp hails 'top class' Pavlyuchenko

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Redknapp hails ‘top class’ Pavlyuchenko

It will be interesting to see whether Harry Redknapp now gives the Russian a run in the side in place of Peter Crouch, who is without a goal in seven matches.

But either way, it would appear that Pavlyuchenko has the full support of the Tottenham fans, who cheered his every touch from the terraces.

Few could argue with the result, earned by the visitors on a pitch barely worthy of the name, the recent wet weather only serving to further tear at the uneven surface.

That helped contribute to a distinct lack of quality passing and movement for much of the game, though with neither side going through their best form of the season perhaps the pitch could not be blamed entirely.

As it was, the first half was made memorable almost solely for Defoe’s controversial opener.

The striker was clearly a yard offside when he tapped in Bale’s pin-point centre, but the flag stayed down and the goal stood.

It overshadowed a fine move, built on an excellent advantage played by referee Alan Wiley after a foul on David Bentley, with Crouch and Niko Kranjcar combining to feed Bale’s excellent run down the left.

And despite the controversial nature of the strike, it was probably just what the visitors had deserved after shading the opening 45 minutes.

Still, Wigan had the odd half-chance, and Hugo Rodallega brought a fingertip save out of Heurelho Gomes from 20 yards out after exchanging passes with Marcelo Moreno on the edge of the penalty area.

There were also arguments that Defoe was perhaps lucky to still be on the field to notch the opener after a frustrated lunge at Gary Caldwell 20 minutes in. Certainly, on second view, it looked a very nasty challenge.

He escaped punishment, though, and was by far Tottenham’s biggest threat until his substitution 73 minutes in.

Twice he stung the palms of home keeper Chris Kirkland in the second half, first after collecting Kranjcar’s pass, stepping around Scharner and firing goalwards from 18 yards, and then with a turn and left-footed shot.

At the other end, the introduction of Victor Moses reinvigorated Wigan, the signing from Crystal Palace forcing a comfortable save from range before playing his part in a move that ended with Charles N’Zogbia curling high and wide.

But the best chances were still falling to Spurs, who began to control proceedings in the closing stages.

Crouch, set clear on goal by substitute Modric, wasted an excellent chance as his tame effort was saved by the sprawling Kirkland one-on-one, while only the woodwork kept Modric’s sublime volley from extending Spurs’ advantage.

As it was it fell to Pavlyuchenko, brought on for Defoe, to add the finishing touches to the visitors’ build-up play.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez

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Martinez frustrated by ‘terrible call’

His first was a fine clipped finish after fine work from the excellent Modric, and the second an opportunist strike from near the byline after Emmerson Boyce had failed to clear from his original saved header.

Those goals proved enough to add to Wigan’s relegation fears, and while the 3-0 result did not touch Tottenham’s 9-1 home win over the Latics of earlier in the season, the 12-goal winning advantage did mark the biggest margin over two matches in Premier League history.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez: “I am left with a huge feeling of frustration. We had to climb a mountain after conceding that first goal, which was a terrible decision from the linesman as it was clearly offside.

“I cannot explain it, there was no-one in the linesman’s vision and it is hard to understand how it went against us. It was a key moment in the game.

“I felt a few decision went against us. Jermain Defoe was fortunate to stay on the pitch after a couple of incidents.

“I think from small decisions to big decisions, the referee made the game impossible for us.”

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp:
“Pavlyuchenko’s trained well this week. He’s worked hard and showed a great attitude.

“I’ve always said he has got great ability. When he wants to work and give everything, he’s a top quality player.

“I felt we dominated play and were the better team today.”

Live text and stats

Sunday, 21 February 2010

Premier League

Final Result
Full Time
90:00+4:36 The final whistle goes and the game is over.
90:00+4:08 Scott Sinclair crosses the ball.
90:00+2:03 GOAL – Roman Pavlyuchenko:Wigan 0 – 3 Tottenham Roman Pavlyuchenko scores a goal from close range to the bottom right corner of the goal. Wigan 0-3 Tottenham.
90:00+1:29 Tom Huddlestone sends in a cross, Roman Pavlyuchenko takes a shot. Chris Kirkland makes a save.
90:00+1:29 Booking Maynor Figueroa booked for unsporting behaviour.
90:00+1:21 Maynor Figueroa challenges David Bentley unfairly and gives away a free kick.
90:00+0:10 Unfair challenge on Maynor Figueroa by Tom Huddlestone results in a free kick. Chris Kirkland takes the direct free kick.
86:11 Mario Melchiot gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Roman Pavlyuchenko. Gareth Bale restarts play with the free
kick.
83:54 The assist for the goal came from Luka Modric.
83:54 GOAL – Roman Pavlyuchenko:Wigan 0 – 2 Tottenham A goal is scored by Roman Pavlyuchenko from inside the area low into the middle of the goal. Wigan 0-2 Tottenham.
82:39 Luka Modric takes a shot from a just insdie the area and hits the post.
80:36 James McCarthy takes a shot. Save by Heurelho Gomes.
79:49 Unfair challenge on Luka Modric by Charles N’Zogbia results in a free kick. Gareth Bale takes the direct free kick.
77:28 Maynor Figueroa fouled by Wilson Palacios, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Chris Kirkland.
77:13 Peter Crouch takes a shot. Chris Kirkland makes a save.
75:36 Substitution Scott Sinclair joins the action as a substitute, replacing Marcelo Moreno.
74:45 David Bentley takes the free kick.
74:45 Booking The referee shows James McCarthy a yellow card.
74:38 Free kick awarded for a foul by James McCarthy on David Bentley.
72:37 Substitution Jermain Defoe leaves the field to be replaced by Roman Pavlyuchenko.
71:26 Booking The referee books Tom Huddlestone for unsporting behaviour.
71:06 The ball is swung over by Luka Modric, Paul Scharner makes a clearance.
69:29 Jermain Defoe takes a shot. Chris Kirkland makes a save.
68:11 Direct free kick taken by Heurelho Gomes.
68:11 Substitution Luka Modric on for Niko Kranjcar.
68:11 Niko Kranjcar fouled by Charles N’Zogbia, the ref awards a free kick.
68:04 Centre by James McCarthy, save made by Heurelho Gomes.
67:02 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mario Melchiot by Niko Kranjcar. Charles N’Zogbia crosses the ball from the free
kick left-footed from right wing, Vedran Corluka makes a clearance.
65:54 Effort on goal by Charles N’Zogbia from just inside the penalty box goes harmlessly over the target.
64:36 Tom Huddlestone takes the free kick.
64:36 Booking The referee cautions Mohamed Diame for unsporting behaviour.
64:32 Mohamed Diame gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Niko Kranjcar.
63:07 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mario Melchiot by Niko Kranjcar. Gary Caldwell takes the free kick.
61:08 The ball is sent over by Vedran Corluka, clearance by Mohamed Diame.
60:47 Jermain Defoe takes a shot. Chris Kirkland makes a save.
59:10 Centre by Marcelo Moreno, blocked by Sebastien Bassong. Charles N’Zogbia takes the inswinging corner, clearance made by Michael
Dawson.
58:03 Victor Moses takes a shot. Save by Heurelho Gomes.
56:17 Centre by Charles N’Zogbia.
55:18 Substitution (Wigan) makes a substitution, with Victor Moses coming on for Hendry Thomas.
55:04 Vedran Corluka crosses the ball, Gary Caldwell manages to make a clearance.
54:01 Tom Huddlestone handles the ball and concedes a free kick. Gary Caldwell takes the free kick.
53:17 Free kick awarded for a foul by Mario Melchiot on Niko Kranjcar. Heurelho Gomes takes the direct free kick.
53:10 The ball is delivered by Hugo Rodallega, blocked by Sebastien Bassong.
52:28 Marcelo Moreno is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Heurelho Gomes takes the free kick.
50:49 Direct free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.
50:49 Substitution Sebastien Bassong replaces Ledley King.
50:49 Booking Michael Dawson goes into the book for unsporting behaviour.
50:40 Foul by Michael Dawson on Hugo Rodallega, free kick awarded.
49:25 David Bentley fouled by James McCarthy, the ref awards a free kick. Vedran Corluka restarts play with the free kick.
47:31 Gareth Bale challenges Charles N’Zogbia unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.
46:52 Foul by James McCarthy on David Bentley, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Tom Huddlestone. Vedran Corluka produces
a cross, Hendry Thomas manages to make a clearance.
45:43 The ball is swung over by David Bentley, Mohamed Diame gets a block in. Corner taken by David Bentley from the right by-line,
Peter Crouch takes a shot. Save by Chris Kirkland.
45:01 The second half kicks off.
Half Time
45:00+2:12 The half-time whistle blows.
45:00+1:42 Free kick awarded for a foul by Peter Crouch on Gary Caldwell. Gary Caldwell takes the free kick.
45:00+1:24 Hugo Rodallega takes a shot. Heurelho Gomes makes a save.
43:31 A cross is delivered by Jermain Defoe, blocked by Maynor Figueroa.
43:06 Hugo Rodallega gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on David Bentley. Michael Dawson takes the free kick.
40:23 Foul by Hendry Thomas on Peter Crouch, free kick awarded. Tom Huddlestone takes the direct free kick.
39:18 Charles N’Zogbia has a direct shot on goal from the free kick, blocked by Ledley King.
39:18 Booking Jermain Defoe is booked.
38:04 Foul by Gareth Bale on Charles N’Zogbia, free kick awarded.
36:40 Paul Scharner takes the direct free kick.
36:40 Booking David Bentley is given a yellow card.
36:33 David Bentley concedes a free kick for a foul on Maynor Figueroa.
35:39 A cross is delivered by Mohamed Diame.
35:05 Maynor Figueroa delivers the ball.
33:59 Michael Dawson fouled by Marcelo Moreno, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Heurelho Gomes.
33:05 Corner taken by James McCarthy from the left by-line played to the near post, save by Heurelho Gomes.
32:57 Mohamed Diame takes a shot. Ledley King gets a block in.
31:59 Tom Huddlestone takes a shot. Gary Caldwell gets a block in.
31:23 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Tom Huddlestone by Mohamed Diame. Gareth Bale restarts play with the free kick.
30:37 A cross is delivered by Jermain Defoe, clearance made by Gary Caldwell.
29:16 Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Gareth Bale, Mario Melchiot fouled by Peter Crouch, the ref awards a free
kick. Direct free kick taken by Chris Kirkland.
28:12 James McCarthy concedes a free kick for a foul on David Bentley. Michael Dawson takes the free kick. Hugo Rodallega gives
away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Vedran Corluka. Free kick crossed left-footed by Gareth Bale, clearance by Marcelo
Moreno.
26:47 The ball is swung over by Gareth Bale,
26:44 Assist on the goal came from Gareth Bale.
26:44 GOAL – Jermain Defoe:Wigan 0 – 1 Tottenham Jermain Defoe finds the back of the net with a goal from close range to the bottom right corner of the goal. Wigan 0-1 Tottenham.
26:16 The ball is delivered by Jermain Defoe, Gary Caldwell makes a clearance.
23:56 Effort on goal by Mohamed Diame from 20 yards. Blocked by Tom Huddlestone.
21:19 Hugo Rodallega takes a shot. Save made by Heurelho Gomes. Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Charles N’Zogbia from the
right by-line, save by Heurelho Gomes.
19:30 Foul by Peter Crouch on Mario Melchiot, free kick awarded. Gary Caldwell restarts play with the free kick.
19:12 Hugo Rodallega is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Heurelho Gomes takes the indirect free kick.
17:38 David Bentley takes a shot. Save by Heurelho Gomes.
14:52 David Bentley takes a shot. Save by Chris Kirkland.
13:18 Jermain Defoe fouled by Hendry Thomas, the ref awards a free kick. Tom Huddlestone takes the direct free kick. Jermain Defoe
takes a shot. Blocked by Paul Scharner.
12:00 Tom Huddlestone fouled by Hendry Thomas, the ref awards a free kick. Gareth Bale restarts play with the free kick.
8:45 Wilson Palacios challenges Hugo Rodallega unfairly and gives away a free kick. Maynor Figueroa takes the direct free kick.
6:28 Ledley King challenges Mohamed Diame unfairly and gives away a free kick. The free kick is delivered left-footed by Charles
N’Zogbia from right wing.
5:21 Jermain Defoe is caught offside. Free kick taken by Chris Kirkland.
0:00 The game kicks-off.

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Wigan prepared to loan out Koumas

Filed under: Wigan Athletic by: admin

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has said midfielder Jason Koumas may leave to join another club on loan.

Koumas has fallen out of favour at the DW Stadium, making only eight Premier League appearances this season, and has been linked with a return to West Brom.

The 30-year-old left the Hawthorns for Wigan for a fee of 5.3m in 2007.

“We have had clear interest from two teams, he needs to play games. It would be a good opportunity for Jason to regain match fitness,” said Martinez.

“He has been in a mode over the last three years where he hasn’t played enough football.”

A permanent deal cannot be arranged until the summer as the transfer window has now closed but loans to Football League clubs are still allowed.

Koumas had a spell on loan at Cardiff from West Brom during the 2005/2006 campaign.

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Wigan 1-1 Stoke

Filed under: Wigan Athletic by: admin

Tuncay’s well-taken header denied Wigan a much-needed victory and kept up Stoke’s unbeaten start to 2010.

Paul Scharner’s spectacular first-half header from just inside the box looked to have put Wigan on course for a win.

And Hugo Rodallega went close to extending the lead with an overhead kick which clipped the crossbar.

But Stoke drew level through Tuncay’s header from Matthew Etherington’s cross before Mamady Sidibe and James Beattie missed chances to win the game.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis will be the happier with a rare away point which stretched his side’s unbeaten run to seven games.

Roberto Martinez’s Wigan appear destined for a battle to avoid the drop after picking up just seven points from their last 10 games and fans will be disappointed to see the team surrender a lead once again.

Wigan have now lost 16 points from winning positions, which alongside Bolton is the joint worst record in the league.

Pulis dropped Ricardo Fuller to the bench following his arrest over a nightclub incident at the weekend, while Martinez restored Jason Scotland alongside Rodallega.

Roberto Martinez

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Wigan attitude pleases Martinez

Despite the Stoke fans making more noise than their counterparts, Wigan made the brighter start, with Rodallega and Charles N’Zogbia stretching the visitors’ defence.

The opening goal came courtesy of a free-kick after Etherington’s body check on N’Zogbia. The delivery found Scharner, who leapt, and from fully 16 yards, headed the ball past Thomas Sorensen’s outstretched left hand.

N’Zogbia continued to look the most skilful player on the pitch, troubling Stoke with several pacy runs.

But Stoke improved as the half wore on and went close when Robert Huth’s free kick found its way through to Ryan Shawcross and the centre-half’s shot on the turn was blocked by two Wigan defenders.

Tony Pulis

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Pulis pleased to extend Stoke run

Moments later Stoke forward Sidibe was granted the time and space to line up a volley on the edge of the area, but he sliced his effort horribly wide.

Stoke had a great chance to equalise early in the second half when a deep free-kick found Robert Huth at the far post. The tall defender headed the ball into Tuncay’s path but the Turkish striker failed to make a clean contact four yards out.

Pulis sent on Fuller for Rory Delap as Stoke went in search of an equaliser, while Martinez brought on Jordi Gomez for Scotland in an attempt to shore things up.

Although Wigan seemed content to soak up pressure from the visitors, they went close to doubling their lead on the counter-attack.

Rodallega controlled a long ball superbly and teed himself up for an overhead kick, which clipped the top of the bar.

Shortly afterwards, Sidibe found space in the area but his shot was well saved by Chris Kirkland.

But the Wigan goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent Stoke drawing level in the 74th minute.

Fuller broke clear down the right and his low cross was cleared as far as Etherington. The winger manoeuvred the ball onto his left foot and delivered a cross for an unmarked Tuncay to head in.

Two minutes later, the Potters almost turned the game around as Fuller nodded Etherington’s cross back for Sidibe, who saw his header bounce off the crossbar.

And with seconds on the clock, England hopeful Etherington pulled the ball back to Beattie in space on the edge of the box. The former England striker’s shot was sweetly struck but Kirkland, at full stretch, managed to push it away.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis:
“The longer the game went on I thought there was only one side that was going to win it.

“They were the better team in the first half hour but in the second half we were really disappointed we didn’t put more chances away.

“I just thought the commitment in the second-half was first class.”

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez:
“It’s always disappointing when you take the lead and can’t get the three points but it’s another point, that’s the way we’re thinking.

“In the second half Stoke came out with a lot of pressure and momentum.

“They put bodies forward, and to be honest the pitch didn’t help us to get through that pressure.”

Live text and stats

Tuesday, 9 February 2010

Premier League

Final Result
Full Time
90:00+4:03 The referee signals the end of the game.
90:00+3:05 Foul by Hendry Thomas on Ricardo Fuller, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Danny Higginbotham.
90:00+2:23 Foul by Dean Whitehead on Paul Scharner, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Charles N’Zogbia.
90:00+1:42 Effort from deep inside the area by Marcelo Moreno misses to the left of the goal.
89:58 The ball is crossed by Matthew Etherington, James Beattie takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Save by Chris Kirkland.
89:34 Shot from just outside the box by Matthew Etherington goes over the bar.
88:36 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Liam Lawrence from the left by-line, Hendry Thomas makes a clearance.
87:24 Substitution Tuncay Sanli goes off and Liam Lawrence comes on.
87:24 Substitution James Beattie is brought on as a substitute for Mamady Sidibe.
86:09 Inswinging corner taken by Charles N’Zogbia from the right by-line.
85:48 Jordi Gomez takes a shot. Blocked by Ryan Shawcross.
82:54 Marcelo Moreno gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Robert Huth. Thomas Sorensen restarts play with the free
kick.
82:25 Mamady Sidibe is caught offside. Indirect free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.
80:52 Substitution Marcelo Moreno on for Mohamed Diame.
80:19 Foul by Hugo Rodallega on Robert Huth, free kick awarded. Thomas Sorensen takes the indirect free kick.
78:22 Unfair challenge on Mamady Sidibe by Hendry Thomas results in a free kick. Danny Higginbotham takes the free kick.
75:17 Matthew Etherington sends in a cross, Mamady Sidibe takes a shot.
74:45 The ball is swung over by Paul Scharner, Robert Huth manages to make a clearance.
Correction – 73:20 Matthew Etherington sends in a cross,
73:20 Centre by Matthew Etherington,
73:14 Assist by Matthew Etherington.
73:14 GOAL – Tuncay Sanli:Wigan 1 – 1 Stoke Tuncay Sanli finds the back of the net with a headed goal from deep inside the penalty area. Wigan 1-1 Stoke.
73:10 Ricardo Fuller delivers the ball.
72:36 The ball is delivered by Emmerson Boyce, clearance by Ryan Shawcross.
68:32 Booking Hugo Rodallega is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour.
68:02 Hugo Rodallega gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Ryan Shawcross. Free kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.
67:10 Charles N’Zogbia produces a cross, blocked by Robert Huth.
65:35 Shot by Hugo Rodallega.
63:28 The ball is swung over by Matthew Etherington, Titus Bramble makes a clearance.
62:46 Emmerson Boyce concedes a free kick for a foul on Tuncay Sanli. Dean Whitehead restarts play with the free kick.
62:14 The ball is crossed by Paul Scharner.
60:37 Tuncay Sanli takes a shot. Jordi Gomez gets a block in. Corner taken by Matthew Etherington from the right by-line.
59:04 Substitution Jordi Gomez replaces Jason Scotland.
59:04 Substitution Ricardo Fuller replaces Rory Delap.
58:37 The ball is crossed by Matthew Etherington, clearance by Emmerson Boyce.
53:55 Substitution Hendry Thomas is brought on as a substitute for James McCarthy.
53:32 Centre by Charles N’Zogbia, Thomas Sorensen makes a save.
52:24 Unfair challenge on Glenn Whelan by James McCarthy results in a free kick. Danny Higginbotham takes the direct free kick.
51:01 Rory Delap challenges James McCarthy unfairly and gives away a free kick. Gary Caldwell takes the indirect free kick.
48:10 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Charles N’Zogbia, Rory Delap manages to make a clearance.
48:03 The ball is sent over by Jason Scotland, Robert Huth manages to make a clearance.
45:01 The match restarts for the second half.
Half Time
45:00+3:30 The match has reached half-time.
45:00+1:20 Corner taken by James McCarthy played to the near post, clearance made by Robert Huth.
45:00+0:55 Charles N’Zogbia takes the inswinging corner, Ryan Shawcross manages to make a clearance.
45:00+0:18 Free kick crossed left-footed by Charles N’Zogbia from left by-line, Mamady Sidibe manages to make a clearance.
45:00+0:18 Booking The referee shows Robert Huth a yellow card.
44:43 Free kick awarded for a foul by Robert Huth on Hugo Rodallega.
41:12 Corner taken by Charles N’Zogbia from the right by-line to the near post, Header from close in by Paul Scharner misses to
the left of the target.
41:01 Hugo Rodallega takes a shot. Danny Higginbotham gets a block in.
39:20 Centre by Matthew Etherington, Tuncay Sanli takes a shot. Save by Chris Kirkland.
38:20 Corner taken left-footed by Charles N’Zogbia, Jason Scotland challenges Thomas Sorensen unfairly and gives away a free kick.
Thomas Sorensen takes the indirect free kick.
38:08 Jason Scotland takes a shot. Blocked by Danny Higginbotham.
37:22 Corner taken by Charles N’Zogbia from the right by-line played to the near post, Glenn Whelan makes a clearance.
34:48 Mamady Sidibe has shot on goal from just outside the penalty box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
34:28 Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Glenn Whelan, Emmerson Boyce makes a clearance.
33:18 Robert Huth produces a strike on goal direct from the free kick, blocked by Ryan Shawcross.
33:18 Booking Gary Caldwell goes into the book for unsporting behaviour.
32:31 Gary Caldwell challenges Tuncay Sanli unfairly and gives away a free kick.
30:52 Long range shot by Glenn Whelan goes wide right of the goal.
29:28 Unfair challenge on Mamady Sidibe by Maynor Figueroa results in a free kick. The free kick is swung in left-footed by Matthew
Etherington, Emmerson Boyce manages to make a clearance.
28:38 Corner taken by Glenn Whelan, Hugo Rodallega makes a clearance.
28:12 Hugo Rodallega has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box missing to the wide right of the goal.
27:47 Mohamed Diame takes a shot. Blocked by Ryan Shawcross.
27:05 The official flags Mamady Sidibe offside. Titus Bramble takes the free kick.
24:54 Charles N’Zogbia fouled by Robert Huth, the ref awards a free kick. Strike comes in from Charles N’Zogbia from the free kick.
24:31 Hugo Rodallega takes a shot. Blocked by Ryan Shawcross.
22:42 Jason Scotland takes a shot. Blocked by Ryan Shawcross.
21:54 Free kick awarded for a foul by James McCarthy on Dean Whitehead. The free kick is delivered left-footed by Matthew Etherington
from right wing, save by Chris Kirkland.
17:04 Dean Whitehead crosses the ball, clearance by Paul Scharner.
16:32 Free kick awarded for a foul by Mohamed Diame on Dean Whitehead. Glenn Whelan takes the direct free kick.
16:06 Paul Scharner takes a shot. Save by Thomas Sorensen.
14:58 Charles N’Zogbia takes a shot. Save by Thomas Sorensen.
13:56 Charles N’Zogbia provided the assist for the goal.
13:56 GOAL – Paul Scharner:Wigan 1 – 0 Stoke Paul Scharner finds the net with a headed goal from just inside the penalty area. Wigan 1-0 Stoke.
13:30 Charles N’Zogbia crosses the ball,
13:30 Booking Matthew Etherington receives a caution.
13:09 Foul by Matthew Etherington on Charles N’Zogbia, free kick awarded.
12:15 A cross is delivered by Emmerson Boyce, Thomas Sorensen makes a save.
10:33 Corner taken by Hugo Rodallega from the left by-line played to the near post, Glenn Whelan manages to make a clearance.
10:06 Jason Scotland takes a shot. Blocked by Robert Huth.
7:59 Mamady Sidibe challenges Maynor Figueroa unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Maynor Figueroa.
7:10 Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Charles N’Zogbia.
6:08 Strike comes in from Hugo Rodallega from the free kick, Andy Wilkinson gets a block in.
6:08 Booking Ryan Shawcross goes into the referee’s book for unsporting behaviour.
5:58 Foul by Ryan Shawcross on Hugo Rodallega, free kick awarded.
2:35 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Matthew Etherington from the right by-line.
2:22 Glenn Whelan takes a shot. Paul Scharner gets a block in.
0:00 The referee gets the game underway.